Modifications to the Appleby Bermuda Half Marathon Derby have received the firm backing of two of the event’s most dominant figures.

Ed Sherlock and Mike Watson, who have ten titles between them, have embraced changes that will see the 13.1 mile race held on a new course that starts in St George’s next year and the route alternate annually thereafter between the existing course, which starts in Somerset and ends at Bernard’s Park.

“I think what they have done is a good idea,” said Sherlock, who won six Bermuda Half Marathon titles between 1956 and 1962 — including five on the trot. “I like the change, the one year about, like we used to do before. The change certainly brings back a lot of memories.”

Watson, who has won the coveted race four times, added: “I am one hundred per cent for coming from both ends and have always thought it would be nice to alternate it year after year. I am in full agreement with it because it maintains the tradition of the race and affords the fans and runners the opportunity to do it from their end.”

The new route, which has been officially measured and certified as a half marathon, will journey out of the Town of St George’s, along North Shore, over Flatts Hill and onto Middle Road, down Lane Hill onto Front Street and into Hamilton along the standard route in the City and finishing at Bernard’s Park.

“That course is harder than the course I was running,” Sherlock said. “It is not an easy course so there is definitely a good challenge there — especially if the wind is blowing from the west.”

The alternate routes means there will now be two sets of records.

Gina Tucker, the Bermuda Half Marathon Derby Committee chairman, is ecstatic to reignite the tradition of having the race start in the east for the first time in decades.

“After many years of deliberation and countless requests from east end residents, we are excited to have the race come from the east next year,” Tucker said. “Most residents are unaware of the fact that the race started and/or finished in St Georges or St David’s for many years. This change will have us reignite this tradition of having the Derby start in the east.

“Coinciding with the Cup Match tradition, the route will alternate starting in the east and west providing a new challenge for our participants while also giving east end residents the opportunity to enjoy watching the race from their back yards.”

This years marks the tenth anniversary of Appleby’s commitment to the event as title sponsors.

“The success of this event would not have been possible without the unwavering appreciative support of Appleby as they have provided significant financial and volunteer support over the past ten years,” Tucker added.

Tomorrow is the registration deadline for this year’s race with Friday, May 22 set aside as the deadline for late entry.

Thereafter, registration can only take place at the number pickup at Appleby’s Church Street entrance on Saturday, May 23 between 10am and 2pm.

Further race details can be found at www.bermudamarathon.bm.